India developing Astra MK2 and MK3 missiles

New Delhi: India is developing two advanced variants of the Astra beyond visual range air-to-air missiles. Defence sources have told that the Astra MK2 and MK3 missiles are likely to be tested next year and in 2024 respectively. They are among the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) key ongoing programmes, as per the sources.

While one of them will be capable of striking targets at a range of 160km, the other will hit almost 300km. The current Astra MK-1 variant has a range of around 100km.

The Ministry of Defence last month signed a Rs 2,971-crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL) to equip the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy with Astra Mk-1 missiles and associated equipment, which was seen as a shot in the arm for 'Atmanirbharta,' or self-reliance, in the defence manufacturing sector.

DRDO has transferred technology to BDL for the production of the Astra Mk-1 and associated systems.

The Astra MK-1 missile has been fully integrated with the Sukhoi-30 fighters and will now add to the capabilities of other combat planes including the Tejas light combat aircraft, the sources said.

Also, the navy's MiG-29K fighters, which operate from India's sole aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, will be equipped with the Astra MK-1 missile.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis has exposed India's overwhelming dependence on imported weaponry, especially from Russia, and underlined the urgent need for speeding up the indigenisation drive to become self-reliant.

India has imposed a phased ban on the import of 310 different types of weapons and systems during the last two years to boost self-reliance in the defence manufacturing sector.

These include lightweight tanks, naval utility helicopters, artillery guns, missiles, destroyers, ship-borne cruise missiles, light combat aircraft, light transport aircraft, long-range land-attack cruise missiles, basic trainer aircraft, multi-barrel rocket launchers, assault rifles, sniper rifles, specified types of helicopters, next-generation corvettes and airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems.

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